Coming soon -- but not soon enough -- to Mesa: de la Cruz Bistro

On the eve of its scheduled opening, downtown Mesa's new de la Cruz Bistro isn't quite ready to open yet.

According to chef Keawe Aikau, who goes by "Chef K," there's still some paperwork to take care of before the new eatery can open its doors at 10 W. Main Street, near the Mesa Arts Center. It'll probably be another week until that happens, he says.

Unlike the other East Valley restaurants owned by the de la Cruz family (Mangos Mexican Cafe, El Zocalo Mexican Grill, El Sol Mexican Cafe & Bakery), the bistro will not focus on Mexican food. Instead, there will be a contemporary American menu, with steaks and seafood, as well as casual lunch fare, including sandwiches and pasta.